Nike Vaporfly 4 vs Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4
A side-by-side comparison grounded in verdicts from 6 reviewers with every source linked. We don't invent quotes; every claim below is attributed.
Specs at a glance
Reviewers who wore both
Direct paired observations — reviewers who actually ran in both of these and wrote the contrast. This is the strongest comparative signal on the page.
Lighter, lower stack, more ground feel and snap, but less bounce and midsole — better for shorter distances
Vaporfly 4 is not as springy but more controlled, more natural, less unstable
Pro 4 is heavier (237g vs 210g) but cheaper, has rods rather than a plate, a more aggressive rocker, softer foam, wider platform and is more stable and protective for the half/full marathon
Adios Pro 4 is 20 quid cheaper
Comparable weight (Evo only slightly lighter at Thomas's size 10.5) but Evo costs $500 vs $260
Pro 4 is more swayed toward marathon distance; Vaporfly 4 is more nimble, lightweight, and agile, better suited to half marathon and shorter
Vaporfly 4 is more controlled, smoother and more natural; Pro 4 is more bounding/wild
Vaporfly 4 takes a more direct, lower-stack path versus the bigger super shoes like the Adios Pro 4
Adios Pro 4 wins this round — softer, wider, more cushioned and a true marathon shoe at GBP 20 less; better for heavier runners.
Better value, more durable, more versatile use case at a discount
More cushion, more bounce, more midsole; better suited for marathon distance
Adios Pro 4 wins — wider forefoot/heel, much softer foam, better outsole durability, and a clear marathon shoe; cheaper by GBP 20.
Pro 4 is significantly lower priced at 220 quid
Nike Vaporfly 4 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , neutral stability .
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A well-regarded race shoe for half marathon and below, but not one this reviewer would use for the marathon distance.
In their words: "snap off the forefoot"
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Initially unimpressed by the price, but grew to love it for 10K/half marathon/5K distances thanks to its light weight — now one of the most overlooked race shoes, especially at a discount. Tier A.
In their words: "one of the most overlooked race shoes" · "the more I used the shoe the better and better it got"
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#4 carbon racer. Brings Vaporfly closer to Alphafly aesthetic — execution issues but still fun at fast paces. Extremely lightweight.
In their words: "still very fun for running very fast" · "extremely lightweight shoe" · "execution issues going on with this shoe"
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A solid but limited race shoe that feels light and quick at shorter distances but lacks the midsole and bounce for longer races, especially the marathon.
Ride:Lighter and closer to the ground than Vaporfly 3 with snappy, responsive ride and reliable landings; lacks midsole bounce and feels limited at longer distances; works well for shorter, faster efforts.
Fit:Roomier than expected for such a lean, small-looking shoe with plenty of space for the big toe; race-hugging without feeling cramped, with some heel slipping fixable with attentive lacing; stay true to size.
In their words: "designed for shorter distances" · "doesn't have enough midsole for me" · "a half marathon sweet spot"
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , neutral stability .
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A strong marathon race shoe once fit is dialed in — the reviewer used it successfully at Chicago Marathon after making tweaks.
Fit:Required some personal tweaks to dial in before it worked well for this reviewer.
In their words: "worked out perfectly well"
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Works well for half/full marathon but too soft for shorter, faster distances, loses pep quickly, and its softer Lightstrike Pro foam is linked to rod-snapping issues. Tier C.
In their words: "went a bit flat even quicker than Man City" · "just a few too many issues"
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Ben Parkes calls this probably the best-value super shoe on the market, lightweight and fast, and a strong marathon race-day option.
Ride:Reviewer describes carbon rods (rather than a single plate) giving a similar propulsive effect.
In their words: "probably the best value super shoe" · "Lightweight, fast, used by so many"
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The most comfortable of Ben's three race day picks — carbon rods instead of a plate allow more natural movement, making it an excellent choice for longer race distances.
In their words: "most comfortable for me" · "can move a little bit more"
Who should buy which
Use cases the reviewers above actually call out — one bullet per distinct take, attributed. Where reviewers converge (e.g. "5K to half marathon" appearing across multiple takes) the agreement is a stronger buying signal than any single voice.
Consider the Nike Vaporfly 4 if
- Racing for runners seeking a light, fast marathon/road racer at a bargain price, especially those with smaller/lighter feet who get the most 'explosive feel' from it. — EDDBUD
- 5K to half marathon; viable marathon option for seasoned runners — The Run Testers
- Runners wanting one lightweight super shoe that covers easy through race day — especially those new to carbon — Doctors of Running
- Runners who want a lightweight, snappy, ground-connected race shoe for 5K to half marathon distances — The Run Testers
- Track workouts and shorter races where breathability and a narrow, light, fast platform matter — Seth James DeMoor
- 5K and 10K racing for runners wanting a light, direct, snappy carbon racer — Ben Is Running
Consider the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 if
- A marathon race-day shoe, also suited to 5K, 10K, and half marathon distances; good value since it's been out a couple of years. — Ben Parkes
- Any distance from short reps to marathon racing — The Run Testers
- Marathon racing; verdict deferred to 2025 list. — Kofuzi
- Marathon racing where bounce and pop matter most — The Running Channel
- The most versatile super shoe in the test — 5K through marathon. EDDBUD's overall winner at 19/25. — EDDBUD
- Runners targeting marathon or longer who want cushioned protection and are comfortable with the fit; recommended for those running slower than sub-3 marathon pace — The Run Testers
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the Nike Vaporfly 4 and the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4?
The Nike Vaporfly 4 is a race shoe and the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 is a race shoe. By the numbers, the Nike Vaporfly 4 weighs 167g, has a 36mm heel stack and a 6mm drop, while the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 weighs 201g, has a 39mm heel stack and a 6mm drop. MSRP is $240 for the Nike Vaporfly 4 and $220 for the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4.
Should I buy the Nike Vaporfly 4 or the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4?
EDDBUD on the Nike Vaporfly 4: Racing for runners seeking a light, fast marathon/road racer at a bargain price, especially those with smaller/lighter feet who get the most 'explosive feel' from it. Ben Parkes on the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4: A marathon race-day shoe, also suited to 5K, 10K, and half marathon distances; good value since it's been out a couple of years.
Per EDDBUD, Ben Parkes.
Has anyone reviewed both the Nike Vaporfly 4 and the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4?
Yes — The Run Testers, Ben Parkes, EDDBUD, Believe in the Run, and FORDY RUNS directly compared the Nike Vaporfly 4 and the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 in their reviews.
Per The Run Testers, Ben Parkes, EDDBUD, Believe in the Run, FORDY RUNS.
Which is lighter, the Nike Vaporfly 4 or the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4?
The Nike Vaporfly 4 is lighter, at 167g versus 201g (men's 9) — about 34g less.
Which is more cushioned, the Nike Vaporfly 4 or the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4?
Measured by stack height, the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 has more underfoot foam — 39mm at the heel versus 36mm.